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ROUND UP
Sensor solutions for shuttle systems in intralogistics
Operators in the field of intralogistics are under pressure to achieve
greater throughput, while remaining agile and flexible.This neces-
sitates ever more efficient utilisation of space as well as more sus-
tainable use of resources including shuttle solutions.
This, in turn, places higher demands on the growing requirements
for small but still powerful sensor solutions and automation com-
ponents.This requirement should be seen in the context of Industry
4.0, including networked devices.
Leuze, available from
Countapulse Controls,
offers high-end solu-
tions with application know-how in all areas of intralogistics, and
the significant advantage of this is that the solution is from a single
source. One mega trend in intralogistics, which can attributed to the
rapidly developing e-commerce sector, is the volatility of markets
and competitive conditions. On the one hand, there are increasing
volumes of parcels that need to be shipped.This results in increases
order picking and associated processing.
On the other hand, smaller orders cause growing uncertainty for
the manufacturer and this impacts on forward planning. As a result,
procurement, production and distribution become considerably
more complex.
This scenario makes innovation topics such as Industry 4.0 ever
more important for intralogistics. And increases the need to create
integrated networking and transparency as well as to constantly
improve speeds, precision, flexibility and availabilities.
The growing demands that all intralogistics applications place on
sensors are particularly evident inmodern shuttle solutions. Shuttles
are extremely flexible, dynamic and, not least, resource-friendly with
regard to space utilisation and energy consumption.
For systems such as these, reliable, space saving sensors are
needed for fine positioning, for the detection of free spaces, presence
monitoring and for collision prevention. For all these tasks, Leuze
offers suitable solutions that ensure availability and can be easily
and quickly mounted and commissioned.
Optical distance sensors are used in shuttle systems for compart-
ment occupation checks, collision protection or positioning appli-
cations. These smart sensors have a high tolerance to colour and
material differences, and offer precise surface and angle detection
making for reliable operation.
Whether organic surfaces such as wood, metal or plastics, and
whether matt, deep black or glossy, the Leuze ODS 10 and HT 10
optical distance sensors offer a constant switching point.These sen-
sors function reliably even in changing environmental conditions
or materials as well as with various object detection angles.This is
particularly useful with objects that are not exactly aligned or that are
being rapidly transported. As a result, detection errors are avoided
and complicated readjustment is eliminated.
With respect to the electrical connections and the number of I/Os,
the Leuze ODS 10 and HT 10 sensors can be adapted to individual
application requirements, offering optimum flexibility.
Both device models provide an IO-Link interface ready for Industry
4.0. In this way, diagnostic data can be transferred in real time and
alert the user timeously to any impending failure, for example exces-
sive soiling of goods being handled or misalignment.
In addition to these measuring distance sensors, miniaturised
sensors, such as photoelectric sensors and light diffuse sensors, are
preferred for use in shuttles.This is due to the limited available space.
Leuze LSR 2 throughbeam photoelectric sensors or Leuze PRK 2
retro-reflective photoelectric sensors are ideal on the outer edge of
the shuttle where overhang controls can be implemented simply but
very effectively. Leuze PRK 3B retro-reflective photoelectric sensors
or Leuze HRT 3B diffuse sensors can be used at the end of aisles or
for reference runs.This will allow detection of the reference points
with maximum precision using scanning or reflective technology.
Leuze HRTL 3B diffuse sensors are predestined for compartment
fine positioning, while Leuze 3B series sensors offer a range of
unique features and the largest selection of functions available from
any device currently available on the market.
In addition to the sizes and sensor types already mentioned, Leuze
offers an extensive range of products with countless functions for
every application field in intralogistics.
Enquiries: Gerry Bryant.Tel. +27 011 615 7556 or
CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION
Electricity+Control
November ‘16
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